Reborn in the Chinese Entertainment Industry: My Childhood Sweetheart is Boss Yang

These days, investors willing to pour money into such niche topics without interfering are extremely rare; they're practically an endangered species.

Gu Heng leaned back, a kind smile playing on his lips: "It's nothing serious, I just think there are a few interesting characters in this script, and I'd like to bring in a few people."

Kang Honglei's heart skipped a beat.

Here they come! They've brought their own funding to the project!

What he fears most is that a few young, delicate-skinned actors will be brought in, turning a perfectly good military drama into an idol drama.

"Who... do you want to stuff in?" Kang Honglei asked cautiously.

Gu Heng didn't beat around the bush and directly named the roles: "Cheng Cai, Xu Erhe, and Wu Zhe, I want these three."

Kang Honglei breathed a sigh of relief.

Thankfully, it wasn't Xu Sanduo; the others are acceptable.

"Alright! Since President Gu has spoken, these roles will be reserved for you!" Kang Honglei agreed through gritted teeth.

Gu Heng was overjoyed.

Chen Sicheng? Sorry, this role is out of your reach for life. Since I've already taken it from you once, why bother with two masters? Taking it again isn't a problem, is it?

As for who got those three roles?

We must keep the good stuff within the family!

After signing the contract and seeing off the profusely thankful Kang Honglei and Lan Xiaolong, Gu Heng returned to his office and immediately took out his phone to call for backup.

It was winter break, and Gu Heng's three hapless roommates had long since gone home to their own families.

The first call was to Jing Chao.

"Hey, Lao Gu? What instructions do you have for the New Year?" The sound of mahjong tiles being shuffled came from Jing Chao's end.

"Stop messing around, I've got you a job." Gu Heng crossed his legs. "Hurry back after the New Year. There's a show called 'Soldiers' Assault,' and I've got you the second male lead, playing the sniper Cheng Cai."

"Holy crap?! The second male lead? And a sniper at that?" Jing Chao dropped his mahjong tiles. "Old Gu, are you my real father?!"

"Get lost! I'm your godfather!" Gu Heng laughed and cursed. "I snatched this role from someone else's mouth. If you mess it up, I'll hang you out of the Beijing Film Academy gate as a warning!"

"Don't worry, Godfather! I will do anything for you!"

Next up were Zhang Xuan and Wang Renjun.

Zhang Xuan's portrayal of Xu Erhe perfectly captured his reckless and unruly nature. Wang Renjun's portrayal of Wu Zhe was also spot-on; the man's refined appearance and glasses made him a perfect candidate for the role of a highly educated military officer, and he always delivered eloquent and witty remarks.

After making three phone calls, he received three calls of "godfather."

Gu Heng stroked his chin, completely satisfied.

Look how easy this team is to manage!

But then again, I absolutely mustn't let these kids play Lu Bu in the future, or I'll feel a little uneasy being their godfather.

Having settled his roommate's work arrangements, Gu Heng was in high spirits and, with a wave of his hand, began distributing year-end bonuses to the company.

Although Vision Entertainment has only been established for a short time, the huge success of "Crazy Stone" meant that Gu Heng was naturally willing to spend generously.

Ordinary employees received three months' salary as bonuses, while several core staff members received even larger red envelopes.

As for Su Qing and Chen Kai, they receive a share of the profits, and Gu Heng didn't forget to give them a symbolic red envelope for good luck.

The employees who received the money were all beaming with joy, wishing they could worship Gu Heng as a god of wealth.

"President Gu is awesome!"

"President Gu is so magnanimous!"

"We can never repay Mr. Gu's kindness!"

Listen to this, that's the power of money!

If you pay enough, working 996 is no big deal, it's a blessing!

After the company gave him a holiday, Gu Heng suddenly found himself with nothing to do.

The promotion for "The Return of the Condor Heroes" has begun on a large scale.

Gu Heng and Yang Mi, the two supporting characters, were happy to have some peace and quiet. Since they weren't the main characters, they shouldn't join in the fun, not only stealing the spotlight but also exhausting themselves.

Huang Xiaoming and Liu Yifei have been running around like crazy these past few days, touring all over the country for promotional events. Liu Yifei has even been calling Yang Mi every day to complain, saying she's so tired she wants to cry and wants to eat hot pot.

The Lunar New Year is just around the corner.

The festive atmosphere in Beijing is growing stronger, with red lanterns hanging in the streets and alleys.

Originally, the two families were supposed to spend the Spring Festival at Yang Mi's house this year, but Gu Heng had a new idea.

His newly renovated courtyard house, such a big place, is so empty and desolate.

"Mom, Aunt Yang, how about we celebrate the New Year somewhere else this year?"

During the family dinner, Gu Heng suggested, "My yard was just renovated, and the underfloor heating is on. Let's go there and have some fun, and we can also enjoy the snow scenery."

Yang Chunling's eyes lit up upon hearing this: "Oh, that's great news! I haven't had a proper look around yet; I heard it's been renovated to look like a palace?"

Gu Heng chuckled, "I wouldn't dare say the palace, but it's definitely more comfortable than living in an apartment building. Besides, nobody will bother us when we set off firecrackers there, it's so carefree!"

Yang Mi nodded frantically beside her, her mouth full of dumplings, and mumbled, "Go! Go! I have to go! I want the biggest room!"

Yang Xiaolin glared at her daughter: "That's the master bedroom! What are you going to do there?"

Gu Heng gave Yang Mi a meaningful look, thinking to himself: Uncle, you've said that too late.

And so, the two families hit it off and decided to spend the Spring Festival at Gu Heng's "Prince's Mansion" this year.

On New Year's Eve.

The morning sunlight shone on the rooftops covered with a thin layer of snow, the red walls and yellow tiles creating a scene as beautiful as a painting.

Gu Heng and Yang Mi were still asleep when their parents woke them up.

Of course, the two slept in their own rooms.

Their parents didn't ask them to do any chores; they simply felt that sleeping in late on New Year's Eve was unlucky.

These past few days, the courtyard house has become lively thanks to the decorations made by the two families. Bright red lanterns are hung high, paper-cut window decorations adorn every window, and even the stone lions in the courtyard have been tied with red ribbons by Yang Mi, making it look both festive and comical.

Gu Heng set up a large brazier in the middle of the courtyard, where the charcoal fire burned brightly, occasionally sparking out a few sparks.

He and Yang Mi each had a recliner and were lounging comfortably by the brazier!

Many people called Gu Heng to wish him a Happy Chinese New Year this year.

Compared to last year when Gu Heng called everyone one by one, this year it's completely the other way around.

"Happy New Year, Mr. Gu! Wishing you great fortune!"

"Mr. Gu, it's me, Lao Ning! Um... Happy New Year!"

Gu Heng answered the phone, making polite conversation while peeling an orange.

Yang Mi watched longingly from the side. Once Gu Heng had finished peeling the orange, she naturally leaned over and snatched it away in one bite without even saying thank you, aiming to get it for free.

Gu Heng hung up the phone, rolled his eyes at her in annoyance, and resignedly picked up an orange to peel: "Don't you have hands?"

"It's grown long, isn't this for warming hands?" Yang Mi put her hands over the brazier to warm them, and said matter-of-factly, "Besides, the oranges you peeled are sweeter."

Gu Heng was rendered speechless by this direct attack and could only sigh: This woman is getting better and better.

As night fell, darkness descended.

A few sporadic firecrackers could be heard in the distance.

In the main dining room, the two families sat together, the table laden with a sumptuous New Year's Eve dinner. The Spring Festival Gala was playing on TV; although Zhao Benshan's skit hadn't aired yet, the festive background music was the perfect background music.

Everyone toasted and laughed.

Gu Heng felt a sense of reassurance as he watched this scene.

This is what life is all about!

While the elders were drinking and chatting, Yang Mi secretly kicked Gu Heng's calf under the table.

Gu Heng turned his head and saw her blink and mouth silently:

I want to set off fireworks.

Gu Heng understood immediately, put down his wine glass, took Yang Mi's hand, and quietly slipped out of the restaurant.